Demystifying Your Firearm Action: A Quick Comparison Of Mini, Short, and Long Actions
Introduction
When it comes to firearms, understanding the various action types is crucial for customization and performance. Three common lengths you’ll encounter are mini, short, and long. These terms refer to the size of the cartridge a firearm can accommodate, affecting everything from caliber choices to the rifle’s overall size and weight. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between these lengths and provide a handy chart to help you match calibers with the right action type.
In a previous article, “A Guide to Understanding Picatinny Rails: Types and Applications,” we explored the various types of Picatinny rails and their applications. In this article you will get an introduction to the “action” of a firearm refers to the mechanism that loads, fires, and ejects cartridges. Different firearms are designed with specific action lengths to accommodate various cartridge sizes. Understanding these lengths is crucial when selecting a firearm and the picatinny rail used for your needs.
- Mini
Mini’s are designed to handle smaller cartridges, making them more compact and lightweight. These actions are often used for varmint hunting and offer faster cycling and reduced recoil. Some mini actions are listed as short actions as well. Examples of mini action cartridges include the .223 Remington and .204 Ruger.
- Short
Short actions are versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications. They can accommodate medium-sized cartridges and are popular among hunters and target shooters. Common short cartridges include the .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, 6.5mm Creedmoor, and .243 Winchester.
- Long
Long’s are designed for larger cartridges, which typically have more powder and a longer case. These actions are excellent for big game hunting and long-range shooting. Notable long cartridges include the .30-06 Springfield, 7mm Remington Magnum, and .300 Winchester Magnum.
- Caliber and Action Chart
Here’s a comprehensive chart that matches calibers with their corresponding action types:
| Caliber | Mini | Short | Long |
| .17 Remington | X | – | – |
| .204 Ruger | X | – | – |
| .223 Remington | X | X | – |
| .243 Winchester | – | X | – |
| 6.5mm Creedmoor | – | X | – |
| .308 Winchester | – | X | – |
| .30-06 Springfield | – | – | X |
| 7mm Rem Mag | – | – | X |
| .300 Win Mag | – | – | X |
(Note: “X” indicates the appropriate action for the caliber.)
- Making the Right Choice
When choosing a firearm, consider the intended use and the type of shooting you’ll be doing. For varmint hunting, a mini action might be ideal. Short actions offer versatility for a wide range of applications, and long actions are best suited for big game hunting or long-range precision shooting. Be sure to match the caliber of your firearm with the appropriate action type for optimal performance. The picatinny rail required will also vary depending on your choice.
- Conclusion
Understanding the differences between mini, short, and long actions is essential for making informed decisions when it comes to selecting the right firearm for your needs. Each action type is designed to accommodate specific cartridge sizes, impacting the firearm’s size, weight, and performance. With the help of the simplified caliber and action chart provided, you can confidently make choices that align with your shooting goals, whether you’re a hunter, sports shooter, or simply a firearm enthusiast. The internet is a huge resource when trying to determine which action your firearm is using. OuterImpact produces picatinny rails designed for specific actions and all OuterImpact Picatinny Rails are precision machined from billet aluminum and must meet our strict quality control specifications.